Descriptor Term:
ADMISSION OF EXCHANGE AND FOREIGN STUDENTS / Descriptor Code:

JFABC

The Rogers School District believes that a diverse student population enhances the education of all students. Students who are citizens of other countries will be admitted to the Rogers schools as foreign exchange students under the following guidelines:

  1. The students shall reside with their parent(s), legal guardian(s) or host family within the boundaries of the Rogers School District, unless such admission is prohibited by state or federal law.
  2. Students shall participate in an approved foreign exchange program through an approved agency. Approved agencies must be included on the Advisory List endorsed by the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel.
  3. Students will not be accepted after August 1 of the school year they plan to attend the Rogers Public Schools.
  1. Foreign exchange students must be 16 years of age on or before September 1 of the year they attend the Rogers Public Schools.
  1. Foreign exchange students will complete all immunizations before being admitted.
  1. Foreign exchange students who have graduated or completed his/her course of study in his/her home country will not be accepted.
  1. A maximum of one foreign exchange student for every 150 students at each high school campus will be accepted for each academic school year. The student will be required to attend the full academic school year.
  1. A maximum of three students will be accepted from any one organization or any one country.
  1. The application will need to include a sample of the student’s writing verifying a working knowledge of the English language, a Secondary Level English Proficiency Test (SLEP) or an equivalent and documents indicating the grade level the student completed prior to coming to the United States. In addition, the approved organization will provide a transcript (translated into English) of the student’s academic record. The student will be assessed for English Language Proficiency upon enrollment in Rogers as well.
  1. Students participating in a foreign exchange experience will be assigned the designation as a senior. The designation as a senior does not include a graduation experience.
  1. Students attending classes from the first day of classes to the end of the school year will be eligible to receive a CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE providing they are not absent more than 10 school days each semester.
  1. A high school diploma will not be issued to students. This program is designated to facilitate a rich cultural experience and should not be used in place of a valid culminating educational experience in the student’s home country.
  1. Rogers Heritage High School and Rogers High School will not accept transfer foreign exchange students during the school year from other high schools.
  1. Foreign exchange students will not be eligible for special programs such as special education or Section 504 accommodations.
  1. Foreign exchange students shall not be included in any class ranking lists, nor shall a GPA be figured for the student.
  1. Foreign exchange students will not walk at commencement. The student will be recognized at commencement if the student has successfully passed American History or Government and Civics, and senior English. In addition, the student shall pass all courses attempted and not be absent more than 10 school days each semester.

Note: The school district expressly elects not to participate with the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service as an "I20" school.

Policy Adopted 2/17/98

Revised 11/13/07, 5/19/08, 3/16/10, 7/21/15, 11/14/17

Reviewed 4/17/12, 5/19/15

Rogers School District No. 30